Brass cleaning and deburring in reloaders often relies on precise tumbling media. Stainless steel pins offer strong cleaning action, rust resistance, and compatibility with rotary tumblers. This article highlights five top options sourced from trusted brands, comparing sizes, compatibility, and key features to help American shooters and reloaders choose the best media for brass cleaning and reloading workflows.
| Product | Brand | Diameter | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 lb Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Pins for Tumbler | FULLBOW | 0.039 in | 0.255 in | Compatibility: Frankford Arsenal tumbler |
| Frankford Arsenal 2 lb Stainless Steel Pins | Frankford Arsenal | 1 mm | 7 mm | Magnetic, ideal for primer pockets |
| 2.5 lb Stainless Steel Pins | GANGOU | 0.039 in | 0.255 in | Rust/corrosion resistant |
| 2.5 LB Pins for Rotary Case Tumbler | TOAAOT | 0.039 in | 0.255 in | Magnetic; wet tumbling suitability |
| Frankford Arsenal 5 lb Stainless Steel Pins | Frankford Arsenal | 1 mm | 7 mm | Large batch with magnetic handling |
2.5 lb Stainless Steel Pins For Tumbler
Brand: FULLBOW. Features include compatibility with Frankford Arsenal tumblers, magnetic stainless steel 304 pins, corrosion resistance, and a sturdy packaging jar. Pin dimensions are diameter 0.039 inches and length 0.255 inches. Suitable for brass cleaning and routine tumbler cycles, these pins offer reliable surface contact for interior cleaning of cases.
Frankford Arsenal 2 lb Stainless Steel Pins
Brand: Frankford Arsenal. Features include a 2 lb package of pins sized 1 mm x 7 mm, magnetic handling for convenience, rust prevention, and suitability for replacing lost pins. Ideal for cleaning primer pockets, inside case bodies, and for rotary tumbling across smaller batches.
2.5 lb Stainless Steel Pins For Tumbler
Brand: GANGOU. Includes magnetic 304 stainless steel pins with 0.039″ diameter and 0.255″ length. Rust- and corrosion-resistant, designed to withstand challenging cleaning solutions used in brass tumbling processes.
2.5 LB Pins For Rotary Case Tumbler
Brand: TOAAOT. Features include 2.5 lbs of pins compatible with Frankford Arsenal and most rotary tumblers, magnetic handling for ease of use, cleaning primer pockets and case bodies, and suitability for wet rotary tumbling.
Frankford Arsenal 5 lb Stainless Steel Pins
Brand: Frankford Arsenal. Specs include 5 lbs of pins sized 1 mm x 7 mm, magnetic handling to prevent rust, and suitability for cleaning primer pockets, inside case bodies, and rotary tumbling through larger batches.
Buying Guide: Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Pins
Key considerations help buyers choose media that fits their tumbling setup and brass treatment goals.
- Batch size compatibility: Choose pins that align with your tumbler capacity (2–5 lbs batches are common). Magnetic variants simplify handling and loading.
- Pin dimensions: Typical pins are 1 mm x 7 mm or 0.039″ x 0.255″. Longer or thicker pins may deliver more aggressive cleaner action but require compatible tumblers.
- Material and rust resistance: 304 stainless steel is standard for corrosion resistance. Avoid low-grade alloys that rust in standard cleaning solutions.
- Mix options: Some brands offer mixed media (balls, diagonals, balls, pins) for balanced cleaning and polishing across surfaces.
- Wet vs dry tumbling: Some pins are suitable for wet operations, enhancing cleaning of primer pockets and case bodies; ensure your media choice matches your tumbler type.
- Brand reliability and support: Established brands (Frankford Arsenal, BC Precision, etc.) provide consistent sizing, magnetic handling features, and replacement pins if needed.
Performance Considerations
Stainless steel pins excel at interior cleaning where brass brushing is impractical. The magnetic feature reduces pin loss and helps users reload quickly between cycles. For dense primer pocket debris, pins can agitate more effectively than traditional media, though care is needed to avoid over-polishing the case interiors.
Safety and Maintenance
Always wear eye protection when loading tumblers and inspect pins for bending or wear before reuse. Rinse and dry brass thoroughly after tumbling to prevent moisture-related corrosion, and store pins in a dry, sealed container to extend their lifespan.